Eddie Howe reveals £5m Newcastle United player is now injured until 2025 after operation

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Eddie Howe has delivered some disappointing injury news ahead of Newcastle United’s game against West Ham.

The Magpies are back in action on Monday night, as West Ham United head to St James’ Park.

Newcastle United are hoping to have Callum Wilson back, with Eddie Howe confirming that the 32-year-old is on course to train with the first-team ahead of the game against the Hammers.

That is a major boost, as Newcastle need extra cover in attack, while Wilson has an incredible scoring record against West Ham. He has found the net 12 times in 14 games versus West Ham.

Eddie Howe announces Emil Krafth injury

But while Wilson might be available, Emil Krafth definitely will not.

It was reported before the international break that Emil Krafth has suffered a broken collarbone, which is why he missed the 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest.

Now Eddie Howe has confirmed the news, revealing how long Krafth will be out of action for during his pre-match press conference.

“Emil has had an operation,” he said.

“We anticipate he’s going to be out for six to eight weeks. It’s a big blow to us to lose Emil who has been such a consistent performer.”

Which Newcastle games Emil Krafth will miss

The Magpies are losing Krafth at a very difficult time. Howe’s defensive options are already stretched, with Krafth serving as Fabian Schar’s deputy at centre-back this season after the club failed to sign Marc Guehi in the summer.

Krafth’s injury highlights Newcastle’s need for a new centre-back, while it puts Schar under pressure to stay fit during a very busy period.

Eight weeks from the time of Howe’s announcements takes us to January 17th 2025. Even if the £5million defender is only out for six weeks, he still will not play again until next year.

Assuming it is the worst case scenario and Krafth misses the next eight weeks, he could be absent for as many as 12 games. That includes the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Brentford, plus big games against Liverpool and Manchester United.

While Krafth is not a regular starter at St James’ Park, he is an important squad player who has been covering two positions as of late given Kieran Trippier’s absence.

Fortunately, the 34-year-old is due to return from his hamstring injury, which slightly softens the blow of losing Krafth.